Baked Whole Spaghetti Squash

Looking for an easy and delicious way to prepare spaghetti squash? This baked whole spaghetti squash recipe takes the hassle out of cutting raw squash. By baking it whole, you’ll enjoy perfectly tender strands of squash with minimal effort, making it a healthy and versatile addition to any meal.

No need to worry about cutting raw squash – you can bake it whole! This recipe saves you so much effort. It’s much easier to cut spaghetti squash after it’s cooked and soft instead of struggling with it uncooked!

Baked Whole Spaghetti Squash

Baked spaghetti squash is so healthy and delicious, you’ll love it! Just put whole spaghetti squash in the oven and it will bake it to perfection!

You can serve this for a lunch or dinner with some toppings or sides. There is so much you can do with baked spaghetti squash!

You can try it with a meat sauce such as in my recipe here: Spaghetti Squash With Meat Sauce With Ground Beef Or Turkey

Also, spaghetti squash is great for a low carb diet such as keto because it is gluten free, not to mention filling and low calorie!

Why You’ll Love Baked Whole Spaghetti Squash

• Effortless Preparation: No need to wrestle with tough raw squash—this method lets the oven do all the hard work, so you can focus on enjoying the results.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, spaghetti squash is a fantastic low-calorie, low-carb option that fits into many diets, including keto and gluten-free.
• Versatile Use: Serve it as a side dish, use it as a base for your favorite pasta sauces, or enjoy it as a light main dish—it adapts to your culinary needs!
• Deliciously Simple: The naturally sweet flavor of spaghetti squash shines through when paired with simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and butter.
• Time-Saving: While the oven handles the cooking, you can prepare toppings or other dishes, making it a hands-off option for busy days.

Ingredients for Baked Whole Spaghetti Squash

• Spaghetti Squash – The star of this dish, known for its unique texture and mild flavor.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Health Benefits of Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash is great for your gut health because it is rich in fiber. There are about 2 grams of fiber per cup of squash.

Additionally, the squash contains many nutrients, such as folic acid, potassium, Vitamin A, and beta carotene. These are important for your body’s health and well-being.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Baked Whole Spaghetti Squash

• Oven – To bake the squash evenly and thoroughly.
• Knife – A sharp knife is essential for piercing the squash before baking.
• Baking Sheet – Provides a flat surface for the squash to bake on.
• Parchment Paper – Makes cleanup quick and easy.
• Spoon – For scooping out the seeds once the squash is cooked.
• Fork – Perfect for shredding the cooked squash into spaghetti-like strands.

How to Prepare Baked Whole Spaghetti Squash in the Oven

This recipe is quite simple. All you need is a spaghetti squash, a knife, and a baking sheet to get started!

First you will preheat the oven to 425F. Then place parchment paper on the baking sheet.

Carefully, use a sharp knife to stab the spaghetti squash a few times. This will release steam so the squash doesn’t explode from the pressure of the baking in the oven whole.

Place the squash on the baking sheet and put in the oven for 50 minutes. When done, it will be soft and cooked all the way through.

After taking out of the oven, let it sit for at least 10 minutes as it will be too hot to handle.

Once it has cooled off slightly, you will cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds using a spoon.

Then, using a fork, scrape out the strands of cooked squash and put them in a serving bowl.

You can use any type of seasoning you like. I chose to keep it simple with salt, pepper, parmesan cheese, and some butter!

Another idea is to use tomato sauce and serve it like traditional spaghetti.

What to Serve with Baked Spaghetti Squash

You can enjoy this dish on its own or serve it as a side for a bigger meal. You can keep it keto-friendly by serving some meat and other veggies alongside the spaghetti squash. Here are some great ideas for what to serve with this dish:

• Air Fryer Almond Flour Breaded Chicken – Keto Low Carb
• Instant Pot Keto Chili Recipe Without Beans
• Keto Salmon Sheet Pan Meal Prep With Cauliflower And Mushrooms
• Baked Turkey Stuffed Bell Pepper Halves (Keto)
• Keto Chicken Thighs Meat Roll Recipe

Tips For Success

• Piercing the Squash: Always pierce the squash with a knife before baking. This prevents it from bursting in the oven as steam builds up inside.
• Cooking Time: Depending on the size of your squash, you may need to adjust the cooking time. A smaller squash might be done in 40–45 minutes, while a larger one could take up to 60 minutes.
• Cooling Is Key: Let the squash cool for about 10 minutes after baking. This makes it safer and easier to handle when cutting and scooping out the seeds.
• Cutting Made Easy: Use a sharp knife to slice through the cooked squash. If it’s still a bit firm, let it cool longer—it should cut easily when fully cooked.
• Getting the Strands: Use a fork to gently scrape the flesh of the squash. It will naturally separate into strands that resemble spaghetti.
• Season to Taste: While spaghetti squash has a mild and slightly sweet flavor, you can enhance it with various seasonings. Try olive oil and garlic for a savory dish or cinnamon and nutmeg for a sweet twist.
• Storage and Meal Prep: Cooked spaghetti squash strands can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. They make a great base for quick meals during busy weeks!

Variations and Substitutions

• Low-Carb Pasta Alternative: Replace traditional pasta with spaghetti squash and pair it with marinara, pesto, or alfredo sauce for a delicious low-carb meal.
• Cheesy Delight: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese to the squash strands, then bake for a few minutes until melted for a comforting dish.
• Herb-Infused: Toss the squash strands with fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme for a burst of freshness.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha over the squash for a spicy variation.
• Garlic Butter Base: Mix in melted butter and minced garlic for a rich and flavorful side dish.
• Sweet Option: For a sweeter variation, add a sprinkle of cinnamon and drizzle of maple syrup or honey.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: Combine the squash with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a hearty vegetarian option.
• Protein-Packed: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or ground turkey for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover spaghetti squash strands in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked squash in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheating in the Microwave: Place the desired amount of squash in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Reheating on the Stove: Heat the squash in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of butter or olive oil, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
• Using Frozen Squash: Thaw frozen spaghetti squash in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake multiple spaghetti squashes at the same time?

Yes, you can bake multiple squashes at once! Just make sure they are evenly spaced on the baking sheet so they cook evenly. The baking time may remain the same, but always check for tenderness.

Do I have to pierce the squash before baking?

Yes, piercing the squash is essential to let steam escape. Without piercing, the steam can build up and cause the squash to burst in the oven.

How can I tell if my spaghetti squash is cooked?

The squash is cooked when it feels soft to the touch and a knife or fork can easily pierce through the skin. If it still feels firm, return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes.

Can I eat the seeds of spaghetti squash?

Yes! You can clean, season, and roast the seeds just like pumpkin seeds for a crunchy snack.

What are some seasoning ideas for spaghetti squash?

You can keep it simple with salt, pepper, and butter or get creative with garlic, parmesan, marinara sauce, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg for a sweet option.

Is spaghetti squash keto-friendly?

Absolutely! Spaghetti squash is low in carbs and calories, making it an excellent choice for keto and other low-carb diets.

How do I prevent spaghetti squash from becoming watery?

After baking and shredding the squash, allow it to rest for a few minutes in a colander to release any excess moisture. Avoid adding watery toppings immediately.

More Recipes Using the Oven

Do you love eating roasted squash such as this baked spaghetti squash in the oven? Want to use your oven to cook more delicious meals? Try out one of these other easy-to-make recipes! You can make other squash in oven such as acorn or butternut squash!

• Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
• Oven Roasted Acorn Squash Halves
• Perfect Oven Roasted Baked Cornish Hens Recipe
• Crispy Baked Bacon – How To Cook Bacon In The Oven
• Perfect Oven Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe

See also:

• How To Cook Delicata Squash In The Oven
• Spaghetti Squash Air Fryer
• Spaghetti Squash Instant Pot
• Spaghetti Squash Microwave